We've Been Over That, Soldier: A Brief Announcement

[Yellow Diamond 7,579]

Like NewCalamity, I too am fond of military terms and Deus Ex references. I hope everyone knows he doesn’t have the market cornered on that front.

 

I’m here to provide a short rundown on two points which have recently become recurrent issues over the past several weeks. Bear in mind that we are not changing any rules or presenting new ones; rather, the point of this thread is to reiterate what exists but may not have been totally clear to those who call MLP Forums their home.

 

1.) The NSFW rule applies to all aspects of the forum. Without going into unnecessary details, there appears to be a bit of confusion as to where you can post content which is otherwise inadmissible on MLP Forums. If you need an official point of reference, please check out our handy dandy FAQ regarding NSFW material. Avatars, signatures, and profiles are subject to the same standards as anything else posted on the forums. In the event you are uncertain about whether or not certain content would be appropriate, err on the side of caution and choose something safe. Feel free to PM a moderator if you are really uncertain whether that saucy FlutterDash picture you found on deviantART can become your new avatar. In most cases, however, common sense should prevail—but you are still responsible for what is posted on your account. Ignorance is really no excuse.

 

As with most of what is posted on MLP Forums, moderators and admins hold the final say as to the appropriateness of any given piece of art, whether it happens to be an illustration or text. In the event an MLP Forums’ staff member requests that you change your avatar, signature, or profile background, you are compelled to comply. If you disagree with the decision, you can use the Support Ticket system to file it under a Moderation Dispute. Who knows? Upon second glance the staff might realize that the saucy FlutterDash picture you slapped on your profile page wasn’t so bad after all.

 

This leads into the second half of this announcement…

 

2.) Moderators speak authoritatively for the staff of MLP Forums. Moderators are not “lesser” admins who stand in as lies and proxy soldiers for administrators: their requests are to be honored as though they came from ~Chaotic Discord~, NewCalamity, me, or anyone else with a nifty Alicorn badge. Requesting to have an admin weigh in on a moderator’s ruling is not an excuse to ignore the moderator. To be honest, 9 out of 10 times, the staff discusses a decision prior to putting it into effect. You either confer with the moderator with whom you are already in dealings or you appeal through a Support Ticket afterward. In the case of the former, should the moderator stand by his or her decision, you are obliged to listen and act accordingly.

 

Finally, while everyone can go through rough patches during the day, we ask that you be as respectful as possible when dealing with us. Everyone who works on behalf of MLP Forums does their best to represent the interests of the community. Do we make mistakes? Surely we do—but being passive aggressive or sniping at staff members doesn’t make us better at our jobs. Words—even when conveyed through a digital medium—carry a good deal of impact. I think we can all afford to show each other some courtesy. It will make our time together here a lot more fun.

 

Now please return to your government-assigned housing units, citizens.

[Fox 5,331]

Does this mean I can't talk sexy things to my sexy friends?~

 

Unfortunately, ignorance is bliss. This won't reach the people who don't have a great sense of common sense.

 

But it might alarm us to report someone with a questionable sexy Spitfire avatar(s).

[Scootalove 10,692]

Well I guess that gave us a huge brief description on what we should do.  At least, this will make the forums safe and fun.

 

Inspirational speech incoming.

 

 

EDIT: Had to correct some error.

Edited August 10, 2013 by Scootalove

[Betez 1,735]

So does the NSFW rule apply to language that could be offensive to some members? Does it, or has it applied to "offensive" words that members are or aren't allowed to say?

[NavelColt 22,883]

But it might alarm us to report someone with a questionable sexy Spitfire avatar(s).

 

Fuck. Better run before the pony police get me.

[Sunny Fox 5,961]

Well I guess that gave us a huge brief description on what we're not allowed to do. At least, this will make the forums safe and fun.

 

Inspirational speech incoming.

 

With respect, there are virtually no sentences in there stating what a member is not allowed to do, only what members should be doing. Although that speech is inspirational.

Edited August 10, 2013 by Full Spectrum

[Princess Periwinkle 3,778]

So does the NSFW rule apply to language that could be offensive to some members? Does it, or has it applied to "offensive" words that members are or aren't allowed to say?

 

To quote the rules:

 

"Keep the foul language down. Swearing is not forbidden on MLP Forums, but we kindly ask that you keep it to a minimum. Not only is swearing out of place in the My Little Pony universe, but some fans who visit this site may be much closer to the target age than you and will not enjoy seeing the F-Bomb drop on their screen. Swearing is strictly prohibited in topic titles and tags."

[Scootalove 10,692]

With respect, there are virtually no sentences in there stating what a member can't do, only what members should be doing. Although that speech is inspirational.

Hmm.. I see my mistake. Very sorry but, at least the speech is inspirational and maybe can brighten someone's day. We will definitely be doing what we are supposed to.

[Betez 1,735]

To quote the rules:

 

"Keep the foul language down. Swearing is not forbidden on MLP Forums, but we kindly ask that you keep it to a minimum. Not only is swearing out of place in the My Little Pony universe, but some fans who visit this site may be much closer to the target age than you and will not enjoy seeing the F-Bomb drop on their screen. Swearing is strictly prohibited in topic titles and tags."

Yes, but since the minimum age has been set to 13, I just wondered where they stood. I'm wondering if they consider "inappropriate" language NSFW.

[NavelColt 22,883]

Yes, but since the minimum age has been set to 13, I just wondered where they stood. I'm wondering if they consider "inappropriate" language NSFW.

 

Generally, swearing is okay as long as you're not being over the top with the amount of uses, or using vulgar, racial slurs, which are usually seen as worse than simple things like a few F bombs (as, hey look, I demonstrated some posts above us).

 

Slurs are generally racial or otherwise derogatory, and usually cause issues more often than various swears, which are almost exclusively for emphasis. Even if we, the staff, and many members may not see many slurs as offensive, our endless amounts of anonymous guests most definitely will at some point, so we draw the line there. Either way, slurs would fall under vulgarity, not NSFW.

 

Keep in mind what's listed under the NSFW rule.

 

NSFW and rule 34-type content is strictly taboo. Got a fetish involving ponies? We don't care if you do; however, we politely ask that you keep all fetishistic, pornographic, and other "not safe for work" material off of here, whether it is art, fan fiction, or otherwise. There are better places out there to get your clopping fix. On that note, shipping is permitted as long as it is "safe for work" and the topic is tagged appropriately. Keep in mind that heavy amounts of gore and violence contribute to NSFW just as much as sexual content, and that links to fanfictions, art or other media containing those themes is prohibited.

 

If you don't post sexual stuff, links to things like Cupcakes the fanfic or post new things like it be it images or text, then you're not going to get anywhere near NSFW. Even in an over the top amount of swearing, that'd be treated as vulgarity, not NSFW.

 

In short:

Sex and excessive amounts of gore/violence = NSFW

Swearing = Okay

Over the top swearing (usually swearing that is spammed and pointless) or derogatory slurs = Vulgarity

 

Should you not know if something would pass as too this or too that, please feel free to just ask somstaff through PM or Support Ticket

Edited August 10, 2013 by ~Chaotic Discord~

[Zygen 6,066]

Well, I don't think I've personally ever had any NSFW issues, Infact I'm proud to say I've yet to be warned for anything( and I plan to keep it that way), but it's cool to reiterate things on occasion I guess.

 

It's pretty rare I personally see any of this stuff, but that could be due to the fact it's usually gone before I'd see it.

 

Anyways, I'm gonna go back to sleeping.. I mean working hard in the barracks, later. .

[Starshine 16,335]

Hm... I guess there have been quite a lot of mad-dash cases with the warned peeps?

 

This got me wondering. How about the implied saucy acts that often happen in roleplay threads? Would those count as NSFW and thus should be removed?

[NavelColt 22,883]

Hm... I guess there have been quite a lot of mad-dash cases with the warned peeps?

 

This got me wondering. How about the implied saucy acts that often happen in roleplay threads? Would those count as NSFW and thus should be removed?

 

Sadly, NSFW stuff can't be streamlined; each situation is different. However, if nothing is specifically said outright, and there is no mention of genitalia or sexual acts in any detail, implied things are always fine. Do we not have meme images implying sexual things out the ying yang in the lounge?

[Starshine 16,335]

 

 

Do we not have meme images implying sexual things out the ying yang in the lounge?

 

...why do you have to remind me of that

 

Ah, that's relieving to hear. I've been seeing some examples lately, and I'm also guilty of it myself. Thanks for the explanation :3

[Harmonic Revelations 8,837]

Sadly, NSFW stuff can't be streamlined; each situation is different. However, if nothing is specifically said outright, and there is no mention of genitalia or sexual acts in any detail, implied things are always fine. Do we not have meme images implying sexual things out the ying yang in the lounge?

Now that this is straightened out, I can finally use my favorite avatar ever. Thanks for explaining that in more detail, ~CD~, it really clears up the fog around the issue.

[long gone 8,929]

Sadly, NSFW stuff can't be streamlined; each situation is different. However, if nothing is specifically said outright, and there is no mention of genitalia or sexual acts in any detail, implied things are always fine. Do we not have meme images implying sexual things out the ying yang in the lounge?

So my avatar of Twilight Sparkle rubbing her horn is okay? Cool.

 

I feel like using that again, some of the comments I got were funny.

[Doctor XFizzle 8,671]

I am in favor of deleting passive aggressive status updates where someone says they got warning points or something was handled unfairly. No one likes to see that dirty laundry out in the open. Keep it in your own hamper and take it up privately with your washer/dryer.

[NavelColt 22,883]

...why do you have to remind me of that

 

Ah, that's relieving to hear. I've been seeing some examples lately, and I'm also guilty of it myself. Thanks for the explanation :3

 

Now that this is straightened out, I can finally use my favorite avatar ever. Thanks for explaining that in more detail, ~CD~, it really clears up the fog around the issue.

 

So my avatar of Twilight Sparkle rubbing her horn is okay? Cool.

 

I feel like using that again, some of the comments I got were funny.

 

Messed with the NSFW rule again to help show my point a bit.

 

NSFW and rule 34-type content is strictly taboo. Got a fetish involving ponies? We don't care if you do; however, we politely ask that you keep all fetishistic, pornographic, and other "not safe for work" material off of here, whether it is art, fan fiction, or otherwise. There are better places out there to get your clopping fix. On that note, shipping is permitted as long as it is "safe for work" and the topic is tagged appropriately, and images or other media that simply imply sexual content is usually fine, as long as there's nothing too risque. Keep in mind that heavy amounts of gore and violence contribute to NSFW just as much as sexual content, and that links to fanfictions, art or other media containing those themes is prohibited.

 

V

 

and images or other media that simply imply sexual content are usually fine, as long as there's nothing too risque.

[long gone 8,929]

Well, I don't think I'll use it again unless I want a laugh, so I guess I'm fine even if it's suggestive.

Twily's gotta do her "magic" y'know

[NavelColt 22,883]

I am in favor of deleting passive aggressive status updates where someone says they got warning points or something was handled unfairly. No one likes to see that dirty laundry out in the open. Keep it in your own hamper and take it up privately with your washer/dryer.

 

Those are usually locked or removed :3 We've been against people publicly going on about warnings for numerous months, now. You don't go out into time square and announce to everyone that you're pissed at someone for something personal, so there's really no reason for people to do it in the public eye of the forum. Using a third party medium or something private isn't that hard. Or, you know, contacting us specifically, as we're the ones who actually deal with the adding and removal of warnings to start with

[Jokuc 8,175]

I feel like I have missed something.. I haven't really seen any NSFW content on the forum lately.. Well a couple of borderline stuff in the sexy pony thread I guess but nothing against the rules... I think. Tell me where these things are posted so I can look em up before they get deleted next time.

 

uhh... You guys make is sound so dangerous to post nsfw stuff.....

 

.....

 

...I'm just glad you're not reading people's PMs 

I mean.. Cause there's nothing there to see anyways

Edited August 11, 2013 by Jokuc

[Doctor XFizzle 8,671]

I feel like I have missed something.. I haven't really seen any NSFW content on the forum lately.. Well a couple of borderline stuff in the sexy pony thread I guess but nothing against the rules... I think. Tell me where these things are posted so I can look em up before they get deleted next time.

 

uhh... You guys make is sound so dangerous to post nsfw stuff.....

 

.....

 

...I'm just glad you're not reading people's PMs  :unsure:

I mean.. Cause there's nothing there to see anyways

 

 

Shhh Jokuc, don't bring any attention to our late night escapades. What happens in PMs stays in PMs. They don't need to know Doctor XFizzle posed for Playmare magazine.

 

I mean, what?

[Yellow Diamond 7,579]

I feel like I have missed something.. I haven't really seen any NSFW content on the forum lately.. Well a couple of borderline stuff in the sexy pony thread I guess but nothing against the rules... I think. Tell me where these things are posted so I can look em up before they get deleted next time.

 

uhh... You guys make is sound so dangerous to post nsfw stuff.....

 

.....

 

...I'm just glad you're not reading people's PMs 

I mean.. Cause there's nothing there to see anyways

 

Because it is. Like handling blocks of uranium, NSFW content literally melts your insides within a few minutes of exposure. Unfortunately for members here, we don't hand out NSFW suits to protect them from the effects.

[Sky Warden 2,243]

 

 

In short: Sex and excessive amounts of gore/violence = NSFW Swearing = Okay Over the top swearing (usually swearing that is spammed and pointless) or derogatory slurs = Vulgarity  

 

 

Well, the whole thing about NSFW is kinda confusing, but I'm glad that a little swearing is allowed, for pity sake.

 

 

 

Keep in mind that heavy amounts of gore and violence contribute to NSFW just as much as sexual content, and that links to fanfictions, art or other media containing those themes is prohibited.

 

 

Ah blast it! My signature can be considered violent.

 

 

 

melts your insides

 

[Shift 4,275]

I haven't seen any NSFW content on the forums lately, but i'll take your word for it.

 

The only thing I have done is link to Fallout: Equestria, but that's because somepony asked for it. It's rated mature and has heavy amounts of violence, but thanks for the heads up.

 

I wonder if the Immortal Game links would count...eh...probably not, it's rated Teen and has small amounts of violence.

 

@@Sky Warden

Your signature is fine. They meant heavy amounts of gore and violence. Project Horizons and Cupcakes are good examples here. Maybe sombody shooting somebody in the face with blood would be considered violent. Yours is just shooting a car. It isn't heavy amounts of violence.

 

It's as bad as swearing, and that isn't bad unless used on every post.